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Captain Randall P. Gernhardt, 911th Security Forces Squadron operations officer, is congratulated by Col. Jeffrey Pennington, 911th Airlift Wing Commander, for being recognized as the Air Force Reserve Command’s 2010 Outstanding Security Forces Company Grade Officer, Jan. 8. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jonathan Hehnly)
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Security Forces Operations Officer wins AFRC award!
Posted 1/21/2011 Updated 1/21/2011
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by Senior Airman Jonathan Hehnly
911 AW/PA
1/21/2011 - PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- The Air Force Reserve Command recently announced a 911th Airlift Wing member as the winner of the 2010 Outstanding Security Forces Company Grade Officer Award.
Capt. Randall P. Gernhardt, 911th Security Forces Squadron operations officer, was recognized for his outstanding individual achievement and performance at the unit level.
"I feel very honored because I know the competition was tough," said the captain. "For me to be able to distinguish myself out of all the great security forces officers of AFRC is a very good feeling."
Capt. Gernhardt has accomplished many things throughout the year 2010, but his role as Provost Marshal, while deployed to Afghanistan for half the year, at Forward Operating Base Salerno gave him the chance to make his greatest achievements.
"It was a very busy location, always under threat of attack," said Capt. Gernhardt. "Before we got there it was like the wild-west with people not following rules and people getting run over. We had to be very proactive on traffic enforcement and saturation patrols to keep everyone safe."
Under the captain's six months of leadership, FOB Salerno's crime rate became one of the lowest in the Air Force. Capt. Gernhardt spearheaded community policing efforts and saturation patrols providing 24-hour FOB coverage, which in turn reduced criminal activity by 90 percent. There were zero traffic accidents after his plan to reduce traffic incidents through increased patrols and tickets was implemented.
The captain also directed responses to attacks in which eight combat action badges will be awarded. Despite the great deal of responsibility and leadership that the captain holds, he gives a lot of credit to those who helped him implement his goals.
"Even though I'm getting the award, it's not just due to my work," said Capt. Gernhardt. "It's because of the people under me and their hard work to help achieve goals."
Capt. Gernhardt had a lot of responsibility at FOB Salerno. He was not only the military police commander of the FOB, but he was also handpicked by the 655th Air Expeditionary Squadron's commander to be the FOB Air Force senior ranking officer, making him responsible for all Air Force personnel assigned.
"Whether at home or deployed, Capt. Gernhardt sets a specific leadership standard," said Lt. Col. Patrick S. Ryan, 911th Mission Support Group commander. "Such Airmen are called many things: leader, warrior, mentor, but their common thread is someone everyone can look to as an example, to aspire to, and to rally behind. Leadership is often spoken of, but we must constantly recognize great examples of it for all generations of Airman to see. Such leadership is invaluable at all levels of command: squadron, group, wing or even MAJCOM."
Capt. Gernhardt sets an example for those under him through his on-the-job achievements, as well as, in his educational advancement. He graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a master's degree in legal studies and homeland security. While deployed, Capt. Gernhardt shared his knowledge with military members and civilians on the FOB as an instructor of criminal justice courses through the Central Texas College.
Not only is the captain providing an example for other military members, but every year as part of a joint law enforcement cooperation with the Moon Police Department and the United States Secret Service, he trains Moon Township school students on cooperation and its importance. He also encourages the physical fitness of others by running in the Hispanic Heritage month and Liberty Hospital 5k's.
In the year preceding his deployment Capt. Gernhardt was handpicked by Col. Gordon Elwell Jr., then 911th Airlift Wing commander, to fill the critical wing executive officer position and was praised by Col. Elwell for his performance. The role model and mentor for other company grade officers, was also named the 911 AW and 911 MSG CGO of the year for 2009.
"Capt. Gernhardt was selected for this recent award because he personified the high standards, ideals, work ethic, and excellence all Airmen strive for in their everyday contributions to the American people," said Lt. Col. Ryan. "Whether at home station or deployed, he demonstrated superior leadership, high initiative, and a compassion for his personnel that was simply exemplary. He is a model junior officer with a bright future ahead of him."
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